BEDFORD — A Bedford man is facing criminal charges after allegedly using an axe to smash the windows of his ex-girlfriend’s vehicle while parked near a downtown establishment early Saturday morning.
Cody L. Strickler, 41, of Bedford, has been charged with criminal mischief following an investigation by the Bedford Police Department.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Officer Steven Hatton Jr., police were dispatched to the 1300 block of 7th Street at approximately 6:24 a.m. on March 21, 2026.
The female victim reported that she had left her shift at Shorty’s Den early to sleep at a nearby apartment on Lincoln Avenue. When she woke up, she discovered her vehicle had been severely damaged. The damage included a shattered rear driver-side window and multiple holes in the front windshield and driver-side door window.
A male witness informed officers that Strickler had entered the bar earlier that night seeking the female victim. Security footage provided to the police reportedly shows a male matching Strickler’s description who was wearing a distinctive gray shirt with a “red line” flag on the back approaching the vehicle with an axe.
The footage allegedly depicts Strickler shattering the rear window with a single swing. Then, striking the driver-side window and hacking into the front windshield twice. Strickler is then seen fleeing the scene in a gray Dodge pickup.
Officers later located Strickler at his residence on Lincoln Avenue during a scheduled child custody exchange. While he was wearing the same clothing seen in the surveillance footage, Strickler initially denied involvement.
However, after being informed of the camera footage, Strickler reportedly admitted to the act but claimed the vehicle belonged to him, not the woman. He alleged that the female had improperly titled the car in her name while they were living together. Officers clarified that because the vehicle is legally registered to the woman and the pair never married, the destruction of the property remains a criminal matter.
As a result of the incident, Strickler was officially trespassed from Shorty’s Den.
Information was forwarded to the Lawrence County Prosecutor’s Office, and a warrant was issued for Strickler’s arrest. He was detained on Tuesday, March 31.
Photos of the damage and a copy of the surveillance video have been entered into evidence.
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This article is based on the information provided in the probable cause affidavit and does not represent a final determination of guilt or innocence.
